Denton County Sheriff's Deputies removed 77 of the horses from Renazans Arabians ranch in Pilot Point, Texas, on August 14 after a caller complained about their condition. The horses were allegedly emaciated with no apparent access to food or water, and were housed in filthy stalls.

During a custody hearing on Wednesday, owner Gordon Dennis Key agreed to donate all the horses to the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT). Key also agreed to pay for the horses' maintenance and care while their permanent custody was pending, said his attorney Rick Hagen.

Denton County Judge Joe Holland ordered Key to surrender the horses' registration documents to HSNT and to pay court costs.

Since their seizure, the horses have been receiving rehabilitative care, are gaining weight, and will be available for adoption within 30 days, said HSNT Equine and Livestock Program Coordinator Sandy Grambort.

Key faces Class A misdemeanor cruelty to livestock charges. No court date has been set.